Today, according to tradition, President of the Republic of Armenia, Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Serzh Sargsyan joined Catholicos of All Armenians Garegin II and Defense Minister Vigen Sargsyan to visit one of Armenia’s border settlements, a frontier post and a combat position on the eve of New Year and Christmas holidays.

This year the President called at a frontier post and a combat position in Paravakar community of Tavush Marz. Serzh Sargsyan met with the servicemen and commanders on duty. He toured the outpost with a view to getting acquainted with the service conditions and the daily life of soldiers.

The President handed in gifts and other incentives to a group of officers and soldiers who had shown dedication and bravery in the exercise of their combat duties. Serzh Sargsyan talked with them at the tea-table, after which he had festive dinner with the servicemen at the outpost.

The President congratulated all Armenian servicemen on the upcoming holidays, addressed them with kind wishes and expressed gratitude for dedicated service. The Head of State raised a glass for all soldiers, officers, their families and relatives, as well as for all those who inspire the troops to comply with their task, contribute to servicemen’s choice of their way of life and who will continue to assist the future soldiers, officers and generals in making the right choice.

The President of the Republic then met with the local population in the border communities of Paravakar, Varagavan, Nerkin Tsakhkavan, Chinchin, as well as with the leadership and executives of border communities in Idjevan and Berd regions of Tavush Marz.

At the festive table, Serzh Sargsyan talked with them about issues of common interest and congratulated them on the upcoming holidays. The President of Armenia laid flowers at the khachkar (cross-stone) to the memory of freedom-fighters and, together with the Supreme Patriarch, lit candles in the nearby chapel.